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My Spending Goal for August

July 18th, 2010 at 10:08 pm

So, my goal for August is to not spend so much. I realize that buying something every day, even something as small as bottled water ($1) can really add up. I also realize that I do have a lot of stuff, and that shopping, for me, is a form of stress relief and also impacts my self-esteem. When I cannot buy something, I feel very financially unstable---even though I know I may not be able to buy something because of a future goal.

I realize that my debt has gone down a lot, and that if I keep making the payments that I need to make, my goal of being almost debt free in less than 3 years can happen. I just need to be able to focus on that goal, despite being distracted by emotions, etc. I want to see how long I can go without buying something, and to consolidate my shopping trips so i am not buying necessary items, but every day.

So, in August, I want to really test myself to see how I feel not buying things, and maybe only buying something once a week, or so. I have to cut out nice coffee from my budget, so, I will treat myself to a nice latte only once per week. It may make it more special that way. It may sound silly, but I would like to be a financial situation where I have a larger food budget that I am comfortable with, and that allows me to buy as much coffee as I want. I guess I am kicking myself because when I was younger I was able to do that easily. So, I just feel like I have to get back into the mode of spending below what I earn. Easier said than done, as I probably need help also with adjusting my food budget.

On the boyfriend front, a relative recently said that she was happy that I did not marry my ex, namely because we were very different, and when it does come to finances, both people need to be able to talk about it and work it out. I got upset this week because my ex said that he wanted to help me when I needed it, as I have helped him. But, due to the economy he isn't earning what he used to, and has to help his family more, so he isn't able to help me. I know I shouldn't be upset, and I know that he may have less earning potential than I do because of his lack of education and his interests, but, I got a bit resentful because I was working 2 jobs to support the both of us. I wish he would have told me something like he can't help much, but he can offer a certain amount, even if it was below what I was asking for. My relative says that he does mean well, but just isn't able to help, and isn't yet in a place where he wants to go over budgets and figure out bills in advance like I do. I can't tell you how many times I memorize in my head what I need for the month to live off of. The creating the budget isn't hard, but the sticking to it, especially when I have a craving for a particular food or item I feel I need for my home is what is difficult.

I am going to keep focusing on trying to achieve the most that I can. I realize that I just have to keep at it, and things will eventually work out. Already, my debt is going down. Now, I just need to reduce my spending habits.

5 Responses to “My Spending Goal for August”

  1. Ralph Says:
    1279488302

    You can do it! Keeping very close track will help a lot.

  2. momcents Says:
    1279491238


    I would strive for self-sufficiency and not rely on the ex for help; that seems to be a recurring theme in some of your posts. And really, if you can't count on him despite what he says and you aren't in a relationship, perhaps you are setting yourself up for further frustration. I would eliminate him as an option for resources.

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    1279492657

    I agree with momcents. Even if he says he can help, it is time to live on your own. If it were me, and no longer in the relationship, I would not even accept help from him if offered. I realize you may have given more in the past, but that was your choice, your decision and it is in the past. Time now to move forward.

    Best wishes for less spending in August!

  4. whitestripe Says:
    1279522356

    My dad bought me an espresso coffee machine for my birthday two years ago and I spend a lot less on 'nice' coffee but am still able to have it whenever I want, in the comfort of my own home. Just a thought!

  5. Jerry Says:
    1280755033

    whitestripe's idea is a good one. What are those things selling for, and how long before a machine like that would pay for itself, I wonder? I'd rather have the insurance of knowing what was in my own beverage, anyway, so I could alter the fat/sugar/etc. contents to my own preferences.
    Jerry

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